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Essilor launches disaster relief campaign

Lens giant Essilor Australia has launched a fundraising campaign asking optometrists nationwide to support the victims of the extreme weather events in Queensland and New South Wales.

As part of the initiative, Essilor will match donations to the Essilor Vision Foundation (EVF) and four other major charities during April.

CEO Mr Phuong Nguyen described the decision as a heartfelt reaction to a disaster that had claimed lives, homes and businesses.

“Our campaign is a collaborative effort to help alleviate some of the suffering. We encourage optometrists to get behind this initiative and help us achieve our ambition of raising $100,000,” he said.

Along with EVF, the four charities which are part of the funding drive are; the Red Cross Society, St Vincent de Paul Society of Queensland, The Salvation Army and Uniting Car Community.

Any contributions that go directly to the EVF will be noted in the system and matched, while optometrists who wish to make a donation to the other charities can email their receipt directly to Nguyen and Essilor will match the amount.

The Essilor team has also contacted optometry practices that may have been directly affected by the disaster and offered assistance to them and their customers.

“We know that some businesses have not been able to operate as normal – we’ll work with them to see how best we can support them during this time,” Nguyen added.

“If any optometrists want to support our campaign they can contact me directly.”

Five people are confirmed to have lost their lives in the disaster, while the damage bill for Cyclone Debbie is expected to reach more than $1 billion.